Woodwork

The Woodwork course welcomes students who would like to explore different types of wood and learn how to make some of the wooden items we use in daily life. As every project starts with an idea, we encourage every student to have as many ideas as possible.

We will have discussions about design, exploring the practicality and aesthetics of shape, colour, and construction method in relation to how the artefact will eventually be used.

Once some basic skills have been mastered, we will make drawings to guide us towards how the finished article will look or how parts of a piece will work together. In the workshop, we tend to begin with making variously shaped chopping boards and napkin rings, progressing to making garden trugs, simple stools or turned, rush-seated stools, carved bowls and, perhaps, small cupboards – or indeed something entirely different depending on what has inspired or best suits each person.

The Woodwork shop is well equipped with an array of hand and power tools, some machinery being adapted to individual needs. This makes it possible for woodwork students to challenge, motivate and express themselves through a wide range of projects. Pieces can often be made out of timber from our own woodlands. Woodwork students learn many new skills while practising how to work responsibly and safely both for themselves and with others.